Stringers or lack of in a 1975 18 ft Searay

[supercab78]

Stringers or lack of in a 1975 18 ft Searay

I'm in the process of repair part of a floor that has lifted up on one side. After remove some of the floor I noticed the foam between the floor and the hull had split length ways thus allowing one side of the floor to move up 1/2 inch, step on it, it goes down. In the center is a long sky compartment. I,ve been poking around and except for the 3/4" plywood that makes up the side of the seven foot long sky hole( which are not even one piece)I can't find any stringers that go beyond the engine compartment. Does the foam that was injected between the floor and hull give the boat hull it's strenth? Thanks Jeff

 

[qaztwo]

Re: Stringers or lack of in a 1975 18 ft Searay

Re: Stringers or lack of in a 1975 18 ft Searay

On my searay a srv 200 there where no stringers, not even under the engine. The engine sat on about a half inch thick fiberglass shell built up over 3/4 ply. The bulk head infront of the engine had two 3/4 plywood stripps that ran forward and supported the floor. I have some pics on here under the title "it has began" if you want to take a look. As for hull strength I believe it comes from the thickness of the hull itself and the fiberglass floor over the wood floor.<br />Good luck.

 

[jimmythekid]

Re: Stringers or lack of in a 1975 18 ft Searay

Re: Stringers or lack of in a 1975 18 ft Searay

Alot of smaller boats use 3/4 plywood as the stringers mine included (85 23' SeaGay, I mean SeaRay) If its like mine, the plywood is 3/4 thick, about 18-23 inches high, and run the length of the boat. Those are the stringers!! Good Luck

 

[jimmythekid]

Re: Stringers or lack of in a 1975 18 ft Searay

Re: Stringers or lack of in a 1975 18 ft Searay

almost forgot, the foam does give support, needed because of the way SeaRay made my style boat(very little fiberglass over the wood frame system), however after i did mine, it no longer needed foam at all for support. I glassed completely over stringers, makes it very strong. I did put foam back everywhere there was an empty space under the floor, except under where I wanted access to the mounting of the captains chairs pedestal (just like original, except moved slightly to the stern) for Safety sake. If I ever have problems and take on water I would like a boat to sit in while waiting to be rescued

 

[qaztwo]

Re: Stringers or lack of in a 1975 18 ft Searay

Re: Stringers or lack of in a 1975 18 ft Searay

I guess technically they are stringer, since they run from the bow to almost the stern. I’ve always viewed them as adding rigidity to the hull. Stopping it from wanting to twist from the engine and prop forces. Also from other boat projects I’ve seen on here most of their engines are placed directly on the stringers to help spread these forces over the length of the boat, mine do not.

 

[supercab78]

Re: Stringers or lack of in a 1975 18 ft Searay

Re: Stringers or lack of in a 1975 18 ft Searay

Originally posted by qaztwo:<br /> I guess technically they are stringer, since they run from the bow to almost the stern. I’ve always viewed them as adding rigidity to the hull. Stopping it from wanting to twist from the engine and prop forces. Also from other boat projects I’ve seen on here most of their engines are placed directly on the stringers to help spread these forces over the length of the boat, mine do not.

 

[supercab78]

Re: Stringers or lack of in a 1975 18 ft Searay

Re: Stringers or lack of in a 1975 18 ft Searay

Thanks for the replies. I quess they don't use much for stringers. Jeff

 

[jimmythekid]

Re: Stringers or lack of in a 1975 18 ft Searay

Re: Stringers or lack of in a 1975 18 ft Searay

nope, just glass over the new wood completely and it will be much stronger than original